Cancer Relay Nets $24K

Cancer Fundraiser registers 154 walkers

By Lindsay R. Mellott

STAFF WRITER

Cancer survivors take the track at McConnellsburg High School Friday evening to walk the ceremonial first lap of the 17th annual Relay For Life. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser and is held in communities throughout the U.S. A rain-soaked week that included a tornado threat for Mc- Connellsburg last Tuesday evening gave way to just about perfecet weather Friday evening for Relay For Life’s return to the McConnellsburg High School track.

The welcome weather brought out a small but enthusiastic crowd for the start of the 17th annual cancer fundraiser, which managed to net $24,330, after expenses, for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

A tad short of the $28,500 goal set for Fulton County, the net proceeds also fell short of the more than $27,000 Relay made in 2010.

The money Relay For Life raises is used by the ACS for cancer research and community based support services that help people living with cancer.

Relay organizers were pleased with the dollar amount, according to ACS staffperson Connie Woodruff, given the change of venue after a number of years at the fairgrounds plus the economic challenges faced by people here.

Woodruff said she heard “lots of positives, a few negatives” about Relay’s return to theg High School

Eight teams made up of 154 registered participants walked in the 24-hour fundraiser, Woodruff said.

Forty-one cancer survivors registered for Friday evening’s survivor reception. Those in attendance received a survivor Tshirt and purple carnation. After walking a ceremonial “first” lap, the survivors, their caregivers and Relay team members enjoyed a ballgame-themed meal, prepared and served by Fulton County Medical Center staff.

At 9 p.m. 256 luminarias put together and placed on the track by McConnellsburg Girl Scout Troop 898 were lit in memory or honor of loved ones who have had cancer as their names were read aloud.

“We did have a very nice group of people who turned out for the luminaria ceremony Friday evening,” said Woodruff.

Relay For Life 2011 was cochaired by Carol Singel and Michelle Seburn. Sponsors included